Shipley-based tech firm Mobilleo has developed an app for a Transport Scotland project.
The GO-HI app, launched by the Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HITRANS), aims to improve accessibility to public transport for residents and visitors.
The pilot project is being funded by the EU North Sea Region Stronger Combined project and the Scottish Government’s MaaS Investment Fund, set up to improve accessibility to public transport services for residents and tourists.
The app will allow users to plan, book and pay for a journey using their smartphone or desktop devices.
The platform offers access to book buses, trains, taxis, car clubs, air travel and car hire, with bicycle hire and ferries being added to the app as the project expands.
To support tourism in the highlands, the app can also be used to find and book hotels.
Project partners include Enterprise Car Club and Car Hire, Bewegen, Brompton Bike Hire, Stagecoach Bus, Shotl, West Coast Motors, Inverness Taxis, ScotRail, Loganair, Orkney Ferries, Northlink Ferries, Leeds Institute for Transport Studies and SkedGo.
Highland Councillor and Chairman at HITRANS, Allan Henderson (pictured) said: “It also addresses Government ambitions to reduce carbon emissions by encouraging a modal shift from sole occupancy cars to shared cars and public transport alternatives. It will also help to create healthier lifestyles by improving the sustainable travel choices people can make in the region including active travel opportunities.”
Transport Minister for Scotland, Graeme Dey commented: “The Scottish Government sees great potential in the future of Mobility as a Service and a real opportunity for Scotland to be at the forefront of developments. That’s why in 2018, our Programme for Government committed to establish the MaaS Investment Fund.
“By creating new partnerships between the public and private sectors to focus on collaborative solutions to complex transport problems, I’m excited to see how GO-HI transforms the travel experience for residents and visitors to the Highlands and Islands.”
Ross Basnett, Strategic Account Director at Mobilleo, added: “We’ve been working closely with HITRANS to develop a solution that addresses the mobility challenges faced by residents, tourists and business travellers in some of Scotland’s most rural areas.
“These improvements should give people the confidence to use public transport and reduce the feeling of isolation among those without access to a car.”
